I rise today to advocate for a secure energy future for our Nation. There is no question that we can achieve energy security or energy independence for our country, and I believe we can do it within the next 5 years. I define energy…

Our country needs able people to volunteer for public service, and our military needs the support of dedicated civilians like Jamie.

Jamie has exceptionally good judgment that will serve him very, very well in this position.

I can remember about 8 years ago during the base realignment and closure (BRAC) process, Jamie was extremely involved in that very difficult and arduous process.

I ask unanimous consent that the period of morning business be extended until 5 p.m, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

``No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops, or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another State, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually…

I wish to say thanks to my colleague, Senator Sessions. He will still be on the Budget Committee. These challenges remain. I will lend my voice in whatever way I can to the responsible efforts that are needed to get us back on track. It is…

I also wish to mention Sara Garland, my chief of staff, an extraordinary person, a North Dakota native, somebody who has dedicated herself to public service; Geri Gaginis, my executive assistant, who has been with me more than 20 years…

This is what I said 26 years ago in my candidacy for the Senate: I have concluded that the serious economic problems facing our state can in large measure only be addressed in Washington. It is economic policies decided in our nation's…

I thank my colleagues. These will be my final remarks to the Senate, and I thought I would share with my colleagues my observations on what has just occurred to put in perspective where I believe we are and where we are headed and to lay…

I ask unanimous consent the period for morning business be extended until 3 p.m. for debate only, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from…

I ask unanimous consent that on Wednesday, January 2, the majority leader be authorized to sign duly enrolled bills or joint resolutions. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I rise this evening to once again address the fiscal cliff. Clearly, the time to debate has come and gone. The simple fact is we need to act and we need to act now. Earlier today, we heard from the President, and what I heard from the…

I previously filed committee allocations and budgetary aggregates pursuant to section 106 of the Budget Control Act of 2011 and, on June 29, I revised some of those levels pursuant to the Budget Control Act. Today, I am further adjusting…

Finally, Mr. President, I am proud today to honor my colleague from Virginia, Jim Webb. In just 6 years in the Senate, he has proven himself to be an agile and independent thinker on both military matters and issues of economic fairness…

I rise today to honor my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Jeff Bingaman, who is retiring from the Senate at the end of this year. Senator Bingaman has been a strong voice for the people of New Mexico, first as their attorney general and…

I also pay tribute to my friend and colleague, Senator Olympia Snowe, who is retiring from the Senate after 18 years of exemplary service representing the people of Maine. Though thousands of miles apart, Maine and North Dakota face…

I rise to speak on behalf of the senior Senator from North Dakota and to thank him for his dedicated service on behalf of the people of North Dakota and on behalf of the people of this great Nation. I think this is 26 years that he has…